France

Following in the footsteps of his sainted father Jean-Louis – one of the most respected vignerons in Beaujolais – twenty-something Justin Dutraive is bringing youthful energy to Fleurie. Justin grew up on the pioneering low-intervention Bojos of Marcel Lapierre, Yvon Métras, Jean Foillard et al, and, after graduating from wine school and interning with Foillard and Julie Balagny, he returned to work at his family's historic estate Domaine de la Grand'Cour in Fleurie.In 2015, he took over 1ha of vines below the village, as well as two lieux-dits on the region's famous pink granite soils: the tiny 90-year-old 'Chapelle des Bois' planted by his grandfather, and a portion of 'La Madone' – a steep, south-facing slope and arguably the leading vineyard of the appellation. Sharing Jean-Louis's ethos of "minimal intervention; maximum surveillance", Justin uses organic and biodynamic practices and no fining or filtration to craft superb Gamays. Vinified in fibreglass and aged in a combination of Burgundy demi-muids, foudres and stainless-steel tanks, his wines combine ethereal perfumes with silky textures and effortless vibrancy.These are distinctive, joyful wines that exemplify why many Burgundy lovers are seeking value further to the south.

Justin Dutraive

Wines

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